Take a walk through history with this database created by architectural historian Deb Sheals for the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. It is part of the city’s Most Notable Historic Properties program, which began around 1998 and has named properties to the list every year except for 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020. The presentation notes the program…
Author: diannaobrien
History blogger. Writer. Traveler. Curiosity drives me. I share what I learn at CoMoHistoricPlaces.com. My newest book, Historic Movie Theaters of Columbia, came out in October 2021. My 2017 book, From Melon Fields to Moon Rocks highlighted the life of Columbia resident Charles W. Gehrke, 1917-2009, a scientist and entrepreneur who founded ABC Labs, now Eurofins.
Watching MU/Kansas football since 1913
Watching MU football on a screen debuted in 1913 at the Airdome Theatre.
The Olde Un Theatres
The Olde Un Theatres is one of the 28 movie theaters included in the book, “Historic Movie Theaters of Columbia, Missouri.” It’s also one of four remaining movie theaters in Columbia, earning it a free copy of the book. Some folks said they were surprised I included the Olde Un in the book, but movie…
Sharp End explained
Sharp End, Columbia’s Black business and cultural center, was wiped out in the 1960s through urban renewal.
A fresh update of 121 N. West Blvd.
Whether you call it the Fairy Tale House, the Hobbit House or the Hansel and Gretel House, you’ll love this article about the house and Jessie Yankee, who is one of the owners of 121 N. West Blvd. An article in CoMo Magazine’s January issue with stunning photographs gives you a peek inside of the…
Movie Theater Memories
By Jerry Benedict In some ways, my life began with movie theaters, specifically the Missouri Theatre. Like the Missouri Theatre, my story starts in 1927. My mom had been attending Columbia High School (now the Jefferson Middle School building). At that time, it operated as the only public 10-12th grades school for nonminority students. Then…
Art exhibit: More Cowbell
Hurry! The exhibit of new paintings by Nora Othic will end Jan. 15, 2022. The exhibit is at the Boone County History & Culture Center’s Montminy Art Gallery, one of our county’s art gems. The exhibit features joyful paintings of agriculture scenes giving you views you won’t forget. The BCHCC is at 3801 Ponderosa St.,…
Black History 2022 calendar
2022 Black History calendar for sale, Columbia’s first such calendar.
Talk about movie Theaters
Only four seats left! At 7 p.m. on Dec. 7, 2021, I’ll be talking at the Columbia Public Library about my book “Historic Movie Theaters of Columbia, Missouri.” Registration and wearing a mask is required. Here’s a link to register. https://events.dbrl.org/event/5813052 But what I really hope I’ll be doing is listening — to your stories…
Listen in about Movie Theatre history
Tomorrow on Nov. 30 Simon Rose and I will be talking on the KFRU’s Morning Meeting about movie theaters. If you can’t tune in at 9:15 a.m., don’t worry. You can check it out later via KFRU’s podcast list of Morning Meetings. Of course, you can also pick up the book we’ll be talking about,…
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